How to Retire On Time—and Stay Retired
Welcome to M&M Wealth Associates
At M&M Wealth Associates, we believe retirement shouldn’t be a question mark—it should be a milestone you reach with confidence and clarity. Founded by Certified Retirement Counselors Michael Henry and Matthew Wu, our firm brings together over 100 years of combined experience helping professionals build strategic retirement plans that are not only sound—but sustainable.
With a focus on responsibility, integrity, transparency, empathy, and ethics, we work with executives, attorneys, physicians, and tech professionals to help them pay less in taxes and build lasting, generational wealth. Backed by a community of over 200,000 social media followers, we’ve become a trusted source for those who want advice grounded in strategy—not hype.
Retirement Isn’t Just About Stopping Work—It’s About Staying Retired
The financial media talks a lot about retiring early. But what they don’t talk enough about is how to stay retired—especially with rising living costs, market volatility, and shrinking social safety nets.
Consider this:
- The average Social Security check is only $1,700/month—barely enough to cover basic needs.
- The average 401(k) balance at age 60 is about $600,000—which only yields $24,000/year using the 4% rule.
- Fewer than 10% of working Americans have a pension, and most who do are public sector workers.
Now factor in that many people are still paying mortgages, car loans, and consumer debt well into their 60s. It’s no wonder so many are delaying retirement or re-entering the workforce within just a few years.
The 4% Rule—What It Means, and Why It’s Just a Starting Point
The 4% rule is a retirement guideline suggesting you can withdraw 4% of your portfolio annually and not run out of money for 30 years.
Let’s do the math:
- Want $50,000 per year in retirement income? You’ll need $1.25 million saved.
- Want $200,000 per year? That’s a $5 million nest egg—and that’s assuming stable markets, average inflation, and no major financial shocks.
It’s a helpful benchmark—but not a guarantee. The rule doesn’t account for:
- Rising healthcare costs
- Market downturns early in retirement (known as sequence-of-returns risk)
- Unexpected expenses like home repairs, long-term care, or family support
That’s why many professionals are now incorporating strategies to increase income, reduce volatility, and lower taxes—not just accumulate assets.
Why Annuities Belong in a Well-Built Retirement Plan
When structured correctly, annuities can be a powerful way to guarantee income for life. Unlike traditional stock portfolios, annuities don’t require you to sell off assets during a downturn to generate cash flow.
Here’s what annuities bring to the table:
- Lifetime income that you can’t outlive
- The ability to spend more than 4% per year without risking depletion
- Protection from market losses
- Optional inflation protection riders to help your income grow with costs
Think of annuities like your own personal pension. They’re not for everyone—but for those seeking certainty, they’re worth a serious look. Hence, if you are about to retire within the next 5-10 years, annuities provide many benefits in addition to the ones mentioned above.
A Balanced Portfolio Begins With Time Horizon
One of the biggest mistakes we see is people keeping their portfolios too aggressive—or too conservative—because they haven’t matched their investment mix to their retirement timeline.
As you approach retirement:
- Your short-term money (next 1–3 years) should be liquid and stable—cash equivalents, short-term bonds, or income-producing annuities.
- Your mid-term money (4–7 years) should provide steady growth and moderate risk.
- Your long-term money (8+ years) can afford to stay in equities for inflation protection and continued growth.
Diversifying by time horizon, not just asset class, can help ensure that market dips don’t derail your income plan—or your peace of mind.
Healthcare Costs: The Silent Retirement Killer
You might enter retirement mortgage-free—but healthcare doesn’t stop when you stop working. In fact, it often becomes your largest line item.
Consider:
- The average retired couple will spend over $315,000 on healthcare during retirement, according to Fidelity.
- Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care, dental, vision, or hearing expenses.
- Inflation in healthcare outpaces standard inflation—meaning today’s estimates may be conservative.
A well-constructed retirement plan should include:
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) if available
- Long-term care solutions, such as hybrid insurance products
- Proper asset allocation to cover health expenses without jeopardizing your lifestyle
The Path to Retiring On Time (Or Early) Is About More Than Just Saving
Yes, saving is important. But the real path to financial independence in retirement lies in:
- Tax-efficient withdrawals and income stacking
- Diversified income streams (Social Security, investments, annuities, real estate, life insurance loans)
- Contingency planning for what happens if the market doesn’t perform or life throws a curveball
- Creating a plan that prioritizes sustainability, flexibility, and simplicity
At M&M Wealth Associates, we specialize in building personalized, forward-thinking retirement strategies that not only get you to retirement—but carry you through it.
FAQs
Q: What if I don’t have $1.25 million saved yet?
Don’t panic. Many professionals are behind. What matters is having a plan that maximizes what you do have—and putting the right pieces in place now.
Q: Are annuities a good idea for everyone?
No. But for those who value guaranteed income, downside protection, and spending confidence, annuities can play an important role.
Q: What’s the best age to start planning seriously for retirement?
The earlier, the better. But if you’re in your 40s or 50s and haven’t fully optimized your strategy, now is the time. Every year counts.
Q: Can you help with taxes in retirement?
Absolutely. Tax efficiency is a core part of our planning process. Our goal is to help you keep more of what you earn, both now and in retirement.
Let’s Talk: Complimentary MoneySmart Consultation
If any of this resonates with you, we invite you to schedule a MoneySmart Consultation with us. It’s completely complimentary, and if we’re not the right fit for your needs—we’ll tell you upfront.
No pressure. No sales games. Just honest advice from advisors who’ve built their careers on trust and transparency.